Ds14 has been in it since 7th grade. Great opportunities for classes and educational sessions,weekend programs, etc. He's in 9th grade now and already getting college recruitment letters. I think it's a great program

Me, 49
Him, 41 (JMSSC)
married 19 years. In R. We are making it. The past does not define who we are today.

Did it with older son, decided not to when it came time for younger son. The only programs offered in our state were summer programs, and honestly, neither of my kids seemed all that interested in what was offered here.

Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we'll ever do. ~ Brené Brown

Posts: 12716 | Registered: Jun 2009 | From: DeepInTheHeartof, Texas

caregiver9000♀ 28622Member # 28622

Posted: 10:20 PM, September 20th (Friday), 2013

There is a cost associated with it too. Just FYI.

I did it when I was school aged. It meant that I tested a lot. (Early ACT, PSAT, etc.) But I think it is how I got on the national merit scholar track?

I didn't work for Duke, I worked for the same program at Johns Hopkins. It was an amazing and life changing program for many students. Not just the academics, but the social element - being able to learn alongside their gifted peers; a place where being a 'nerd' was a badge of honor not a social stigma.

Me BW Him XSAWH
DDays 2006, and then numerous more
Divorced 2012

"In life, unlike chess, the game continues after checkmate." - Asimov
"Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you." - Ovid

Posts: 15606 | Registered: Jun 2006

HFSSC♀ 33338Member # 33338

Posted: 8:29 AM, September 21st (Saturday), 2013

DS signed up for one program last year that ended up being canceled because of a conflict with the teacher's schedule or something. He has done a couple of other things he enjoyed.

His school paid for the SAT and PSAT testing; we didn't have to pay for those. But we do have to pay for the extra programs and summer programs. We were just not able to do it this summer but are definitely planning for next summer.

The best part for him has been the validation that hurt was talking about. He is the only boy he knows who reads ALL THE TIME. He has been made fun of at his school because of it. It's been great for his self esteem to realize the power that his intelligence will give him if he learns to use it.

Me, 49
Him, 41 (JMSSC)
married 19 years. In R. We are making it. The past does not define who we are today.

Posts: 3709 | Registered: Sep 2011 | From: South Carolina

jrc1963♀ 26531Member # 26531

Posted: 9:35 AM, September 21st (Saturday), 2013

DS isn't really being teased at school. So many of the kids are in the Pre-IB program or identified as gifted/advanced that he's in really good company there.

jrc, that's great. I love his school, and there are great academic programs, but this is still a rural area with more of an athletics mindset.

ROTC has been another huge blessing this year.

Me, 49
Him, 41 (JMSSC)
married 19 years. In R. We are making it. The past does not define who we are today.

Posts: 3709 | Registered: Sep 2011 | From: South Carolina

hurtbs♀ 10866Member # 10866

Posted: 10:55 PM, September 21st (Saturday), 2013

jrc - even if he's in a good environment academically, there is something to be said about learning and studying with those who are as advanced as he is (in the top 5%). They tend to challenge one another more and reach farther. There is also the added environment that it's about learning not about earning a grade.

Often in these program (Duke and JHU), this is the first time students actually are challenged or struggle in their schoolwork.

Me BW Him XSAWH
DDays 2006, and then numerous more
Divorced 2012

"In life, unlike chess, the game continues after checkmate." - Asimov
"Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you." - Ovid

Posts: 15606 | Registered: Jun 2006

jrc1963♀ 26531Member # 26531

Posted: 1:11 PM, September 22nd (Sunday), 2013

Thanks Hurtbs... it's good to know.

And yes, so far there hasn't been a whole lot of "struggle" with his school work. It all comes easily to him.

I think he definitely needs to be challenged, which is why I often give him "enrichment" type activities here at home to "round" out his education.

Yup, both of my kids were invited, and we did not have the funds available to send them.

They did do the ACT early though through another program, can't remember what at the moment, but they take it as 8th graders.

I think it's a really neat opportunity, and I do have a friend that sent both of her boys, and it looked good on their college applications. My one kid was like eh whatever when it came, (boy).
My other was like how come I can't go, blah blah blah (girl).

Me: FBS
Him: FWS
Kids: 16 & 18
Married for 22 years now, was 16 at the time. .
D-Day Sept 26 2008
R'd in about 2 years. Old Vet now.